Vulcanizing unit



Aug. 27, 1946: c. D. "DAVIDSON 2,406,455

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Aug 27,1946. 3, D, so v 2,406,455

I VULGANIZING UNIT Filed Feb. 5, 1945 2 Sheets-Shee 2 Inventor 'g/rf/D. pair/330a.

andflmayfim v v Patented Aug. 27, 1946 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE VULCANIZING UNIT Cyril D. Davidson, Washington, Pa. Application February 5, 1945, Serial No. 576,266

1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to a vulcanizing unit, and more particularly to such a device adapted for curing splices in cables, as for example in mining cables.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved vulcanizing unit provided with extra curing capacity, which enables a plurality of cables to be vulcanized simultaneously, in such manner as to save rubber, copper and man hours, normally occasioned by defective splices in less effective molds.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of an improved device, which may be readily carried or removed from spot to spot as required.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such a device characterized by a plurality of removable molds, whereby a plurality of sizes of cables may be readily vulcanized simultaneously, if desired.

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of such a device which will be sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efiicient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and operate.

Other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein there is shown a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of vulcanizing unit constructed in accordance with this inventive concept.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device disclosed in Figure 1, certain parts thereof being omitted for the sake of clarity.

Figure3 is a perspective view of one of the molds adapted to be utilized in the device.

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the device shown in Figure 1, as viewed from the left.

Figure 5 is an end elevational view similar to Figure 4, but disclosing the device in Figure 1 as viewed from the right.

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken substantially along the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of a constructional detail.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Having reference now to the drawings, the device of the instant invention comprises a casing I0, double-walled and adapted to be filled with fluid, as at H, (see Fig. 6) and provided with a plurality, illustratively three, transversely extending recesses or depressions [2, adapted to contain upper and lower mold blocks 13 and 14, each provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending, cable-containing grooves 15- and. I6, respectively (see Figs. 1 and 3). The upper portion of each of the channels I2 is provided with oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending grooves H, in which are adapted to be slidably positioned blocks l8, each provided with a plurality of threaded apertures [9, in which are adapted to be positioned bolts or screws 20. The bolts 20 are of a sufficient length that, when tightened down, they may abut and firmly compress the upper surface of the upper mold block M, for the purpose of compressing the cables contained within the transverse grooves 15 and I6.

Water is adapted to be fed into the receptacle l0 through an inlet 25, which may alsocomprise a plug for determining the quantity of water in the water jacket, and an air release valve 26 is correspondingly provided.

As best shown in Figure 5, the water jacket is provided with a safety valve 21 of conventional type, provided with a nipple 28 to which may be attached a tube of any desired type to pipe off excess steam, or the like, and a pressure gauge 29 to indicate the pressure within the device,

As best shown in Figure 4, the opposite end of the device is provided with a thermostatic heat control 3|] of any desired conventional type in association with an electric automatic switch, likewise of known type, adapted to control an electric heating element 32, adapted to provide heat for the heating of the water H within the water jacket.

From the foregoing, the operation of the device should now be readily understandable. When it is desired to vulcanize a mine cable, or the like, or a plurality of the same, the cables are first spliced, and the insulation applied therearound, whereupon they are placed between the mold blocks l3 and M in the grooves l5 and I6, positioned within the channel I2. The screws 20 are then tightened downwardly until the molds are firmly closed, and the device is.

heated until a desired temperature is achieved. This temperature is maintained until the cable is suitably vulcanized, whereupon the device may be cut off and the completely vulcanized cable removed therefrom.

While in the foregoing the device has been de scribed and shown as adapted for electric heating, it will be readily understood that the same may be heated by gas or the like, or in any other suitable manner.

From the foregoing, it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved device accomplishing all the objects of this invention and others including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may, be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is tobe understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merelye as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

4 having transverse channels of substantially rectangular cross section therein, separable upper and lower mold blocks positionable slidably in said channels, means forming a plurality of aligned grooves in each of said mold blocks, the grooves in each upper and lower mold block coacti-ng to form a plurality of cylindrical, bores adapted to receive a plurality of strands of a cable for simultaneous vulcanizing means forming grooves in the side walls of said channels, apertured plates slidable in said grooves, screws "extending through said apertures in said plates,

flmovable to compress said upper mold blocks against said lower mold blocks, means for heating the water in said water jacket, thermostatic .7 means for controlling said heating means, and a In a device of the character described, in com-e f bination, a receptacle forming a water jacket safety valve on said water jacket.

CYRIL D. DAVIDSON. 

